New York, NY, May 20, 2009 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today said that recent anti-Semitic incidents in Argentina, including bomb threats against two synagogues and a violent assault against a crowd celebrating Israel's anniversary, "signal that anti-Semitic groups continue to operate openly in Argentina and are working to harm the Jewish community."

At least three people and a police officer were injured in a violent attack on May 17 against a crowd celebrating Israel's anniversary in Buenos Aires.  Members of Argentina's Jewish community were confronted by a gang of youths who were armed with clubs, knives and other weapons.  The following day, two synagogues in the Buenos Aires neighborhood of Belgrano received bomb threats.

In a letter to Justice Minister Aníbal Domingo Fernández, ADL welcomed his unequivocal characterization of the attack as an act of anti-Semitism and urged the government to "vigorously pursue an investigation" into the incident and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

"The violent attack on May 17 against a crowd celebrating the 61st anniversary of the State of Israel and the bomb threats against two synagogues in the neighborhood of Belgrano signal that anti-Semitic groups continue to operate openly in Argentina and are working to harm the Jewish community," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.

"These groups should not be allowed to create and fuel an atmosphere of intimidation and fear, which undermines the democratic and pluralistic values of the Republic of Argentina."

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.